The magnificent Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, Lake Como, has just been awarded the title of Number One resort in Italy, according to the 2019 Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards. Baroque Travel finds out all the details
Lake Como is a magical location for a getaway, and the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is one of the most exclusive places to stay in this charming part of Italy. So it comes as no surprise that the hotel has just won accolades as the best resort in the whole of the country, third best in Europe and 43rd overall in the world.
This magnificent grand hotel overlooks glittering Lake Como, boasts a century and a half of history as well as timeless charm. A testament to ancient times, it delivers everything that makes Italy such an extraordinary destination, which is why its guest list includes celebrities, Royalty, politicians and other famous names. Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt and John F Kennedy have stayed there, and the list of stars is a long one.
So what makes this old world hotel the best in the land and one of the most prestigious in the world? It’s renowned for service that is unmatched, it boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, The Mistral, as well as an excellent spa and wellness center. And its location is quite unique, standing as it does on a promontory that projects towards the center of Lake Como, almost dividing the lake in half, with lush mountains and magnificent gardens as its backdrop. Inside, the grandeur continues with numerous frescoes and paintings of mythological scenes on the walls, frescoed coffered ceilings, tapestries, a breathtaking marble staircase and magnificent Murano crystal chandeliers.
The hotel is also renowned as the only 5-star establishment in Bellagio, and Lake Como is legendary for its mild climate and year-round sunshine, making the hotel a popular choice almost 12 months of the year (the hotel is well sought after from April right through to November). Many guests enjoy setting off from the hotel’s private dock on a motorboat trip to see the historic gardens along Lake Como. The more energetic can enjoy the hotel gym, pool and tennis courts, delightful walks in this scenic destination or go mountain biking out onto the Bellagio promontory.
Guests enjoy a choice of 95 rooms and suites all with either lake, park or village views. Rooms are all fitted with central heating, air conditioning, flat screen TVs, WiFi and en suite private bathrooms with bath and separate shower.
Dining is offered in a choice of two restaurants including the Michelin-starred fine dining Mistral Restaurant, located on the hotel’s main terrace with breathtaking lake views. Alternatively, Mediterranean fare is enjoyed in La Goletta Restaurant next to the hotel pool.